Calling all coders, engineers, designers and problem solvers!

We need YOU to help create solutions for some of the sustainability challenges that threaten the health of our ocean and the life it sustains.

On June 13th, the National Aquarium will host its first-ever hackathon, in partnership with the Department of State! Participants will be granted behind-the-scenes access to our exhibits and provided ample snacks and caffeine throughout the night – all in the name of inspired code!

Prizes for best solution include cash prizes of $1,000, $5,000 and a trip to the Philippines!

In addition to our event here in Baltimore, four other hackathons will be occurring simultaneously, in Silicon Valley, Boston, New York City and Miami, as part of the State Department’s inaugural Our Oceans Conference.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-6LwqgoXGw]

Why #CodeforFish?

In many developing countries, independent fishermen and small fisheries are essential parts of the economy and food source.

Did you know? Fifty percent of fish caught for human consumption come from small-scale fisheries.

Overfishing and the degradation of aquatic habitats are causing these fishermen to struggle to keep up with industrial competition and support their community’s food supply.

To help address some of these challenges, the U.S. Department of State has launched a new initiative called mFish: Empowering the sustainable fishery ecosystem. The goal of mFish is to use mobile phone applications to bring real-time updates, catch reports, and fishery monitoring to fishermen in developing countries.

The nationwide Fishackathon initiative aims to support the creation of applications and solutions for fishermen to use on mFish and other platforms!